FCT Unveils N41.2 Billion Plan to Eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled an ambitious N41.2 billion strategic plan, the FCT HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (FSP) 2025–2027, signaling a determined effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat in Abuja by the year 2030. This comprehensive roadmap directly confronts the stark demographic disparities, deep-seated structural stigma, and a daunting 98% funding gap that have hampered progress in the territory.

Dr. Adedolape Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, highlighted the urgency at the plan's unveiling. While the FCT has achieved a commendable 100% Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiation rate for identified patients, the overall HIV burden remains stubbornly above the national average, according to the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). A particularly alarming statistic is that a staggering 98% of children requiring HIV treatment remain unsupported, with only a meager two percent receiving essential care.

“

If we continue business as usual, the 2030 target to end AIDS will be a mirage. The FSP 2025-2027 changes the rules of engagement.

Furthermore, key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and individuals who inject drugs, disproportionately account for 12% of new infections. These vulnerable groups continue to be underserved due to pervasive social stigma, a critical barrier that the new strategic plan aims to dismantle. Dr. Fasawe issued a stark warning: continuing with 'business as usual' will render the 2030 target to end AIDS a mere mirage. The FSP 2025-2027, she asserted, fundamentally changes the rules of engagement.

Dr. Doris John, Project Manager of the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS (FACA), underscored the collaborative spirit behind the plan, describing it as a representation of the collective will and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders. With the 2030 deadline looming, she urged the media to play a pivotal role in demystifying the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, a crucial step towards achieving the ambitious elimination goal. This strategic funding plan is not just about financial allocation; it's a declaration of intent to confront and overcome the multifaceted challenges hindering the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria's capital.

“

The clock was ticking towards the 2030 target to end AIDS as a public health threat, urging the media to help demystify the stigma surrounding HIV- AIDS.